Posted in Arizona
January 10, 2022
Take This Hidden Gems Road Trip When You Want To See Some Little-Known Places In Arizona
We recently covered some of the best hidden gems in Arizona, so why not turn some of them into a road trip? This 7.5-hour journey leads to secret waterfalls, remote dinosaur tracks, and several other little-known places. Get ready for an epic adventure!
Click here for the customizable Google Map for the trip.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Grand Falls, Arizona, Arizona 86035, USA
Tucked away in the Painted Desert just 30 miles northeast of Flagstaff, Grand Falls is a 185-foot-tall natural wonder on the Navajo Nation. The waterfall cascades down into the Little Colorado River, and the best viewing opportunities are after heavy rains or in early spring when the snow is beginning to melt. Visitors can access Grand Falls via an easy, half-mile-long hiking trail - but the road to get there is far less benign. It's very rough, and at times, a high-clearance vehicle is required. Learn more here.
Tuba City, AZ 86045, USA
Also on the Navajo Nation (and also not far from Flagstaff) are the Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks. Located along a secluded stretch of Highway 160, this tourist attraction takes you up close and personal with the prehistoric beasts that roamed the earth long ago. Well-preserved, 200-million-year-old dinosaur footprints and remains are spread out over a large area, and a Navajo guide will show you the most interesting spots while detailing the history of the tracks. Please note: there is no admission fee, but you will need to tip your guide. Learn more here.
Secret Canyon, Page, AZ 86040, USA
If you thought this was Antelope Canyon at first glance, you wouldn't be alone. Secret Canyon, a small slot canyon near Horseshoe Bend, is almost identical to its world-famous counterpart... minus the endless queue of people waiting to get inside. Horseshoe Bend Tours offers exclusive access to this little-known canyon, with the added bonus of a private viewpoint overlooking Horseshoe Bend. A maximum of 15 people are allowed in the canyon at a time, so it's a much more intimate experience. Learn more here.
Redwall Cavern, North Rim, AZ 86052, USA
The last half of our trip is centered around the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which sees only a tenth of the park's six million annual visitors. First up is Redwall Cavern, a massive sand cave hidden at the base of the canyon. A natural amphitheater located at River Mile 33 on the Colorado River, the cavern can hold several thousand people. You'll also see ancient marine fossils embedded in the walls! Redwall Cavern is only accessible via a river rafting trip - click here for a list of outfitters.
Ribbon Falls, Arizona 86052, USA
Next on the list is Ribbon Falls, a 140-foot-tall cascade nestled deep within the Grand Canyon. It's the only waterfall in the canyon that can be reached without backpacking or rafting! The water from the falls travels down a giant, moss-covered boulder before collecting in two small pools. If it's warm enough outside, you can go for a swim to cool off! You can access the falls from the North Kaibab Trail, but it's a tough hike. We recommend starting at Bright Angel Campground - doing so cuts the hike time in half from 12 miles to six. Learn more here.
North Rim, AZ 86052, USA
Last - but certainly not least - we'll spend some time exploring the North Rim itself. Between a scenic drive, a short and sweet hike to a breathtaking lookout point, the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge, and a campground, there's so much to see and do here. Please note: the North Rim is closed from December 1 until May 15 each year, with only the North Rim campground remaining open. Learn more here.
Would you take this road trip to the best hidden gems in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! For more of the best hidden gems in Arizona, check out our previous article.
Address: Grand Falls, Arizona, Arizona 86035, USA
Address: Tuba City, AZ 86045, USA
Address: Secret Canyon, Page, AZ 86040, USA
Address: Redwall Cavern, North Rim, AZ 86052, USA
Address: Ribbon Falls, Arizona 86052, USA
Address: North Rim, AZ 86052, USA
